15 Secrets Women With Incredible Skin Swear By

What's it take to achieve your best skin ever? Knowledge. Discipline. And a willingness to go your own way. In other words, just because all of your friends are doing fancy sheet masks, doesn't mean you need to too. To illustrate the many, many paths you can take to get the complexion of your dreams, we asked 15 of the most luminous women we know to share what works for them. While you'd be crazy to try to emulate all of them, you just might pick up a few ideas that'll improve your routine. (If nothing else, it'll remind you that it does matter whether you take your makeup off before you go to bed. And to drink water!)

Stop Looking for a Quick Fix

"I have an 8-step skin care regimen every day, which turns into a 10-step process when I add an exfoliant and clay mask twice a week. But if you're going to use only one product I believe it should be a retinol. I use Define by Cosmedix. I also have regular microdermabrasions and organic facial peels, drink 3 liters of water a day, and aim for 8 to 9 hours sleep every night. If you're as invested in your skin care as I am, you have to be very disciplined." —Nicole Warne, founder of Gary Pepper Girl

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

“Hydration and clean eating are my secrets for great skin. I am religious about my skin care regimen and wash, tone, and moisturize in the morning and at night. I have found, however, that the best thing I can do for radiant, healthy-looking skin is to not only drink a lot of pressed juice and water with lemon, but also incorporate minerals into my diet so that I actually absorb the water. I do this by taking drops of ionic minerals and a tablespoon of Himalayan salt water each day.” —Carly de Castro, co-founder of Pressed Juicery

Troubleshoot Pimples Before They Get Bad

"I can always sense when something is about to go down with my skin, but I’ve gotten my routine down now. If I feel a pimple coming on, I’ll pop some EradiKate by Kate Somerville on it. I also drink a ton of water, exfoliate twice a week, and stay away from sugar and sheet masks. I used to use sheet masks often but I realized they were just clogging my pores—no bueno.” —Gabriette Bechtel, model and dancer

Invest in Hydrated Skin

“Keeping a consistent routine does wonders. For me that means exfoliating every day, investing in a good moisturizer (I love iS Clinical Youth Intensive Creme), staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet. Drinking water is one that I forget too easily so I keep a filled water bottle near me at all times. It makes a huge difference in my skin.” —Samantha Wennerstrom, founder of Could I Have That?

Spend Time on Your Skin at Night

“I love my Clarisonic brush for nighttime cleansing. I use it with the Luxe Cashmere brush head, since I have sensitive skin, and Origins Checks and Balances Face Wash because it's foamy but never leaves my skin tight. I alternate that with the Eve Lom Solid Cleanser, which melts onto your skin—it makes me feel like I'm in a spa! I also love SK-II face masks. My mom introduced me to them, and I’ve stayed loyal ever since. I use one any time my complexion is starting to look dull.” —Denise Lee, Founder and CEO of Alala

If All Else Fails, Pare Down

“The trick I discovered for my skin is actually to not wash my face. Throughout high school and college, I tried so many different face washes, lotions, and creams to prevent breakouts and none of it seemed to work. One day I had the idea to just stop washing my face, and it worked! So I've learned that for me, less is better. It's funny how using water can actually take moisture out of your skin. When I'm feeling like a need a clean, I’ll just use a toner with glycolic acid to remove my makeup.” —Blair Ethington, SVP and GM of Covet Fashion

Beware of Refined Sugar

“Honestly, I eat really well and sugar is not a part of my diet—and I drink alcohol very rarely. You'd be surprised what it can do for your skin. Oh, and I swear by my Clarisonic!” —Sian Gordon, yoga teacher and co-owner of Love Yoga

Try DIY

"I never struggled with my skin until I started traveling for my job. Being in different climates and spending so much time on planes really messed with my natural balance. I use a moisturizing mask while I'm on my flight—I like to treat it as my personal spa time—despite the stares I get. And when I do break out, I take a banana peel (the riper, the better) and put it on the zit. I know it sounds bananas (ha!), but the peels contain an antioxidant called lutein (basically vitamin A) which can help reduce inflammation and fight acne." —Courtney Quinn, Founder of Color Me Courtney

Give New Brands a Go

“I cannot live without Sunday Riley tinted moisturizer and facial oils—they totally changed my skin. I discovered the brand through an amazing makeup artist named Romy Soleimani. The products are filled with skin-loving vitamins A and C, along with retinoids.” —Stephanie Danan, co-founder and designer of Co

Consider a Laser Treatment

“Since I am constantly on and off the subway and chasing my babies around NYC, I need a moisturizer that does it all. Elizabeth Arden City Smart Moisturizer not only has SPF 50, but also protects against the unavoidable pollutants of living in a city. Another secret I have to rave about is Clear + Brilliant. Every five or six months, I go in for a laser treatment and walk out feeling like a teenager." —Shoshanna Gruss, founder and creative director of Shoshanna

Wear Sunscreen Every Single Day

“I’ve always gone to my father, a renowned dermatologist in Switzerland, for advice: Antioxidant moisturizer with SPF every single day. No tanning and no smoking. And let’s be honest, I also get a little Botox here and there." —Ada Polla, CEO of Alchimie Forever

Don't Forget: You Can Always Fake It

“I wish I could say my skin is flawless by nature, but it’s incredibly sensitive and is very hard to keep balanced. I gravitate towards a natural, luminous look, which doesn’t come easy for someone with pink undertones like me. I use Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige every day, only on my blemishes and red spots, leaving the rest of my skin foundation-free. I use a Beautyblender to dab the concealer in, then I add some cream blush (usually Stila or La Prairie). After that, I use a little Tom Ford Illuminating Duo on my cheekbones and under my eyebrows.” —Katherine Power, Co-Founder & CEO, Clique Media Group